Yorkshire Native On Set Of Adrian College Musical
posted 10/15/07
Susan Eversden brings English dialect and alluring costumes to “Jane Eyre."

ADRIAN, Mich. – The theatre department at Adrian College presents Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” Oct. 25 through Oct. 27 and has a unique individual working behind the scenes.

This year’s cast has had the opportunity to work with the extremely talented costume designer, Susan Eversden, who is originally from Yorkshire, England, the same town Charlotte Brontë was born.

Eversden brings both her love for designing time period costumes and her knowledge of the musical’s setting. She is the sole costume designer on set, sewing and customizing each outfit from scratch, and she acts as a consultant and dialogue coach for the cast members.

“I help the cast with near correct pronunciation of the English dialect,” said Eversden. “Because I am from northern England, which is the setting of the play, I can steer them in the right direction and act as a consultant.”

Eversden, who has been interested in designing costumes since she was young, has worked on plays throughout Lenawee County. She has lived in the United States for 11 years and has worked on productions at The Croswell Opera House, Siena Heights University, and other plays at Adrian College.

Professor Michael Allen, Adrian College’s theatre department chair, asked Eversden to join the crew over 12 months ago and she has been working on “Jane Eyre” ever since.

“It takes a lot of time and work to put together costumes for a piece like this,” said Eversden. “I’ve been doing my research which includes re-reading the book, looking over the script numerous times, and shopping for the appropriate fabric. It’s a long process but in the end it makes the play extra appealing by really capturing the time period in the costumes.”

Eversden really enjoys working with the students and hopes to contribute more to the musical besides her designing talents.

“I hope the students can also learn about the culture and style associated with this as well as what I can offer for the theatrical performance. If I can help in some way, that’s important to me.”

“Jane Eyre” is a haunting retelling of the Charlotte Brontë classic about an orphan girl who grows up to become the governess of Thornfield Manor. There she meets and falls in love with the enigmatic Edward Rochester, an earl with a dark secret. Filled with soaring melodies and a romantic lyricism uncommon in the modern Broadway musical, “Jane Eyre” is a sweeping love story, breath-taking in its scope and beauty. With music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and additional lyrics from John Caird, this performance is set for success.

“Jane Eyre” will play in Dawson Auditorium with all three performances at 8 p.m. Ticket prices for “Jane Eyre” are $10 for the general public and $7 for students, seniors and Adrian College staff.